Question

A 72-year-old patient has come to the health clinic with symptoms of a productive cough, fever, increased respiratory rate, and shortness of breath. His respiratory distress increases when he walks. He lives alone and did not come to the clinic until his neighbor insisted. He reports not getting his pneumonia vaccine this year. Blood tests show the patient's oxygen saturation to be lower than normal. The physician diagnoses the patient as having pneumonia. Match the priority level with the nursing diagnoses identified for this patient:

Nursing Diagnoses
1. Impaired gas exchange _____
2. Risk for activity intolerance _____
3. Ineffective self-health management _____
Priority Level
a. Long term
b. Short term
c. Intermediate

Answer 1

The nursing diagnoses for the patient with pneumonia are impaired gas exchange, risk for activity intolerance, and ineffective self-health management.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing diagnoses for the 72-year-old patient with pneumonia are as follows:

1. Impaired gas exchange - This is a short-term priority for the patient, as their symptoms indicate respiratory distress and lower oxygen saturation levels. Proper gas exchange is crucial for maintaining adequate oxygenation of the body.
2. Risk for activity intolerance - This is a long-term priority as the patient's respiratory distress increases when they walk. Activity intolerance may limit their ability to perform daily activities and require gradual adjustments.
3. Ineffective self-health management - This is an intermediate priority, as the patient's failure to get their pneumonia vaccine and delay in seeking medical help show a need for improved self-management of their health.